The Retreat from Mons and the Battle of Le Cateau

Falling back from Mons: Smith-Dorrien decides to make a stand

By nightfall of the 25 August 1914 the retreating British II Corps was being closely pursued by the German First Army. I Corps was some way away to the east, and although the newly-arrived 4th Division was moving up alongside II Corps it was clear that the disorganised and greatly fatigued units faced a calamity the next day if the withdrawal was forced to continue. Corps Commander Horace Smith-Dorrien ordered II Corps to stand and fight. The units of the Corps were arranged in the open downs to the west of the small town of Le Cateau.

The main action in this battle did not take place at Le Cateau itself, but in the rolling country around Caudry

…it is said by some that through the course of the entire war never were British troops as heavily outnumbered. John Lucy, 2nd Royal Irish Rifles, in his autobiographical work ‘There’s a devil in the drum’

Elements of the British Expeditionary Force at the Battle of Le Cateau

Tactical victory?

For long hours during the morning of 26 August, the British force, notably the field artillery, held overwhelming numbers of the enemy at bay. British tactics were similar to those at Mons. The infantry produced intensive and accurate rifle fire, while the field artillery fired air-bursting shrapnel rounds on the unprotected advancing enemy infantry. Many field guns were fired at point-blank range over open sights. Butthe British artillery was also exposed and came in for heavy punishment from the German guns. Some were withdrawn just as the enemy infantry closed in. For the second time in three days, the British force engaged withdrew just in time. Miraculously, the exhausted II Corps disengaged and withdrew towards the south during the afternoon. Smith-Dorrien’s decision to turn II Corps around from retreat and to stand against the German advance at Le Cateau paid off handsomely. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the Germans and another delay imposed on their Schlieffen timetable. To the east, I Corps was able to move further away from the advance parties of the Germans. However, a rift grew between Sir John French (who had initially ordered a continuation of the retreat) and Smith-Dorrien as a result of this action. It was to have serious consequences in 1915.

This photograph shows the effects of battle in 1914. Wrecked field guns and limbers, with dead men and horses strewn across the field. It has not been possible to identify the exact location or unit involved, but it is believed that it is at or shortly after Le Cateau. Please note that this is a postcard that I own. It has been copied without permission and you will see it elsewhere on the internet with various descriptions.

Casualties

The total British casualties at Le Cateau amounted to 7,812 of all ranks, killed, wounded and missing.
38 field guns were lost.

La Cateau today

The clash at Le Cateau was short and sharp, and there are not too many physical reminders of it. This impressive monument to the 2nd Suffolks is one of few .

The battleground is quiet, with excellent views over the rolling countryside and valley of the River Selle. It is good walking country and repays a visit

The weary retreat continues

Over the course of the next week, the BEF continued the long slog of retreat, often fighting sharp rearguard ctions. Eventually the force was south of the Seine and effectively out of the battle line.

18th Field Ambulance, 6th Division, on march to Hartennes; mid-day halt. September 1914. Imperial War Museum image Q50287

Senior officer losses

At Le Cateau
Lt-Col. Charles Brett, OC 2nd Suffolks
Lt-Col Alfred Dykes, OC 1st King’s Own and
Lt-Col Edward Panter-Downes, OC 2nd Royal Irish Regiment
were all killed in action at Le Cateau. None has a known grave and all are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at La Ferte sous Jouarre.
Col. Frank Boileau of Royal Engineers and on staff of 3rd Division died on 27 August 1914 of wounds received on the days before this battle and is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery.

In the subsequent clashes as the retreat continued
Lt-Col George Ansell, OC 5th Dragoon Guards, was killed on 1 September 1914 at Verberie and is buried in the French National cemetery in that village.
Lt-Col the Hon. George Morris, OC 1st Irish Guards, also died on 1 September 1914 in the woods near Villers-Cotterets and is buried in the Guards Grave there.
Lt-Col Ian Hogg, OC 4th Hussars, died the next day and is buried in the communal cemetery at Haramont.

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